Striding simulators

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus may include a frame that remains substantially stationary during use. The apparatus may include movable members that move relative to a portion of the frame. Foot members may be coupled to the movable members. Arm links may be coupled to the movable members. A drive system may be coupled to the frame. An apparatus may include a linkage assembly directly attached to the drive system and to the arm links.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/499,199 entitled “Variable Striding Simulator” toRobert E. Rodgers, Jr., filed on Aug. 29, 2003.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an exercise apparatus.Certain embodiments relate to exercise apparatus that may allow exercisesuch as simulated climbing, walking, striding, and/or jogging.

2. Description of Related Art

Exercise devices have been in use for years. Some typical exercisedevices that simulate walking or jogging include cross country skimachines, stair climbing machines, elliptical motion machines, andpendulum motion machines.

In many exercise apparatus, the user's foot is constrained duringexercise to patterns that may not accurately represent the typical pathand/or position of a foot during walking and/or jogging. For example,cross country ski machines may not allow a user to lift the front ofhis/her foot above a flat plane defined by the top of the pedal orfootpad. Elliptical machines may constrain a user's foot to themechanically defined elliptical path of the footpads or foot pedals. Anellipse, however, may not completely replicate a striding motion,particularly near a front of the elliptical path. Pendulum motionmachines may cause a user's foot to move through a small radius ofcurvature that may not satisfactorily simulate a striding motion. Manysuch exercise apparatus may require a user to “learn” a path of motionfor the individual exercise apparatus that is not natural to the user.

In addition, many exercise apparatus require a user to exert some forceother than force required in the normal exercise activity to operate thesystem. For example, a user may have to exert additional force toaccelerate a pedal or footpad back to a system speed. Application ofsuch force during simulated activity may be unnatural and notrepresentative of actual walking, striding, or jogging.

Some exercise apparatus have been developed that utilize the inertia inmoving components of the apparatus to accelerate a user's foot duringuse of the apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,802 to Rodgers, Jr. andpublished U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/611,497 to Rodgers, Jr.,which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein,disclose exercise apparatus that provide for an enabling reciprocatingmotion of the user's legs or feet while the user remains generallystationary. The exercise apparatus includes an inertia drive assemblythat may accelerate foot carriage assemblies as the carriage assembliesinitially advance rearwardly or forwardly along rails.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, an exercise apparatus may include a frame. The framemay include at least a portion that remains substantially stationaryduring use. The apparatus may include a left movable member and a rightmovable member that move relative to at least a portion of the frame. Aleft foot member and a right foot member may be coupled to the leftmovable member and the right movable member, respectively. A left armlink and a right arm link may be coupled to the left movable member andthe right movable member, respectively. A drive system may be coupled tothe frame. In certain embodiments, an apparatus may include a linkageassembly directly attached to the drive system and to the left and rightarm links.

In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a belt system. The beltsystem may include a belt and at least one pulley. The belt system maybe coupled to the left and right movable members. The belt and pulleysystem may provide inertial forces to a user during use of theapparatus.

In certain embodiments, the left and right foot members may be coupledto foot suspension systems. In some embodiments, the movable members maymove along rails on at least a portion of the frame.

In some embodiments, a linkage assembly may include a user adjustableslider assembly. The user adjustable slider assembly may allow a user ofthe apparatus to adjust the user's stride length during use of theapparatus. In some embodiments, a user adjustable slider assembly mayinclude a motor (e.g., a servomotor) for varying a position of theslider assembly. In some embodiments, a length in the linkage assemblycan be adjusted by a user of the apparatus to vary the angle of rotationof the left and right arm links. The length in the linkage assembly maybe adjusted using a user adjustable slider assembly.

In certain embodiments, a linkage assembly may include left and rightlinkage assemblies. The left and right linkage assemblies may bedirectly attached to the drive system at a first left end and a firstright end of the linkage assembly and directly attached to the left andright arm links at a second left end and a second right end of thelinkage assembly. The left linkage assembly may be directly attached tothe drive system at a first left end of the linkage assembly anddirectly attached to the left arm link at a second left end of thelinkage assembly. The right linkage assembly may be directly attached tothe drive system at a first right end of the linkage assembly anddirectly attached to the right arm link at a second right end of thelinkage assembly.

The linkage assembly may include a device that allows variation in alength of the linkage assembly between the first left end and the secondleft end, or between the first right end and the second right end, ofthe linkage assembly during use of the apparatus. In some embodiments,the device may allow instantaneous variation in the length of thelinkage assembly. Variation in the length of the linkage assembly mayallow variation in a user's stride length during use of the apparatus.In some embodiments, a linkage assembly may provide a varying resistiveforce to allow a user of the apparatus to vary stride length during useof the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the device may include a lever arm coupled betweentwo members in the linkage assembly. The device may also include aspring coupled between one of the members and the lever arm. In someembodiments, the device may include a variable length member and aresistive element coupled to the variable length member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilledin the art with the benefit of the following detailed description andupon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a linkage assembly and drive system foran exercise apparatus.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an embodiment of a foot member and movable memberconfiguration.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a footpad and a movable member.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a footpad directly mounted on a movablemember.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a walking pattern.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of an isometric loop formed by a belt.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of an isometric loop formed by a belt.

FIG. 11 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 12 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 13 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 14 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 15 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 16 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 17 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 18 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with anadjustable linkage assembly.

FIG. 20 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 21 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 22 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 23 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 24 depicts an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with aninstantaneously variable linkage assembly.

FIG. 25 depicts an embodiment for operation of a pivoting end.

FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with aninstantaneously variable length linkage assembly.

FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with aninstantaneously variable length linkage assembly.

FIG. 28 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 29 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 30 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

FIG. 31 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an exerciseapparatus.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and may herein be described in detail. Thedrawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that thedrawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit theinvention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as definedby the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the context of this patent, the term “coupled” means either a directconnection or an indirect connection (e.g., one or more interveningconnections) between one or more objects or components. The phrase“directly attached” means a direct connection between objects orcomponents.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.Frame 100 may include a basic supporting framework and an upper stalk.Frame 100 may be any structure that provides support for one or morecomponents of an exercise apparatus. In certain embodiments, all or aportion of frame 100 may remain substantially stationary during use. Forexample, all or a portion of frame 100 may remain substantiallystationary relative to a floor on which the exercise apparatus is used.“Stationary” generally means that an object (or a portion of the object)has little or no movement during use. For example, an exercise apparatuswould be “stationary” if the apparatus is operated in one location (incontrast to a movable exercise apparatus such as an ordinary bicycle),even if the apparatus wobbles or vibrates during use.

In an embodiment, rails 102 may be coupled to and/or supported by frame100. In some embodiments, frame 100 may perform the function of rails102. In FIG. 1, both right and left sides of the linkage system areshown. The right and left sides of the apparatus may be used for theright and left feet of a user, correspondingly. The right and left sidesof the apparatus may be mirror images along a vertical plane orientedalong the center of the machine as viewed from above. In otherembodiments depicted herein, only the left or right side of theapparatus may be shown. It is to be understood that in embodiments inwhich only one side of the apparatus is depicted, the other side may bea mirror image of the depicted side.

Left and right movable members 104 may be supported at the rear bywheels 106. Wheels 106 may translate in rails 102. In certainembodiments, left and right movable members 104 may be movable membersthat move in a back and forth motion (i.e., one member moves forward asthe other member moves backward in a reciprocating motion). In someembodiments, movable members 104 may be movable members that move in aclosed path (e.g., an asymmetrical path). The path or motion (e.g.,reciprocating motion or closed path motion) of movable members 104 maybe determined during the process of designing an exercise apparatus(e.g., by a designer of the exercise apparatus). For example, a designerof an exercise apparatus may design the linkage geometry of the exerciseapparatus to provide a determined path of motion of movable members 104.

The forward portions of movable members 104 may be pivotally coupled toarm links 108. Arm links 108 may be designed so that the upper portionscan be used as grasping members (e.g., handles). Arm links 108 may bepivotally coupled to and supported by frame 100 at point 110. In anembodiment, arm links 108 are pivotally coupled to crank links 112. Incertain embodiments, arm links 108 may be directly attached (e.g.,pivotally coupled and directly attached) to crank links 112. Crank links112 may be pivotally coupled to crank members 114. In certainembodiments, crank links 112 may be directly attached to crank members114. Crank members 114 may drive pulley device 116, which in turn maydrive brake/inertia device 118 using belt 120.

In certain embodiments, crank links 112 may be directly attached to armlinks 108 and to a drive system. A “drive system” may include, in ageneric case, crank member 114 coupled (either directly attached orindirectly attached) to pulley device 116. In some embodiments, a drivesystem may include brake/inertia device 118 and/or belt 120. In someembodiments, a drive system may be formed from other types of devicesthat generally convert reciprocation or motion of a member to rotation.For example, a drive system may include a ring (e.g., a metal ring)supported by one or more rollers. In certain embodiments, a crank drivemay include one or more intermediate components between the crank memberand the pulley (e.g., an axle or connectors). In certain embodiments, adrive system may be directly attached to frame 100. In some embodiments,a drive system may be indirectly coupled to frame 100 with one or morecomponents coupling the drive system to the frame.

A brake/inertia device (e.g., brake/inertia device 118) may provide aload to affect the intensity of a cardiovascular workout. Abrake/inertia device may include an energy-storing member (e.g., aflywheel) that is coupled to a linkage or crank system to increaseinertia of the system. In some embodiments, a brake/inertia device mayprovide for a variable load. In some embodiments, a brake/inertia devicemay store energy provided by a user during a portion of an exercisemotion and then may provide at least a portion of such stored energyback to the user during another portion of the exercise motion.

Foot members 122 may be pivotally coupled to movable members 104. Footmembers 122 may have footpads 124 or any other surface on which a usermay stand. Footpad 124 is typically any surface or location on which auser's foot resides during use of an exercise apparatus (e.g., thefootpad may be a pad or a pedal on which the user's foot resides duringuse). In some embodiments, footpad 124 may be a portion of foot member122.

In certain embodiments, suspension links 126 and 128 may be pivotallycoupled to foot members 122 and to movable members 104. Suspension links126 and 128 may be pivotally coupled at point 130. One end of spring 132may be coupled to suspension links 126 and 128 at point 130. The secondend of spring 132 may be coupled to movable member 104.

Operation of suspension links 126 and 128 and spring 132 may beunderstood by comparing depictions, as shown in FIG. 1, of the right andleft foot members 122, the right and left suspension links 126 and 128,and the right and left springs 132 (i.e., comparing depictions of theright and left foot member assemblies). As shown in FIG. 1, in the leftfoot member assembly, spring 132 is applying force to suspension links126 and 128 so that foot member 122 is forced upward relative to movablemember 104. When a user of the apparatus applies force to foot member122, suspension links 126 and 128 may act to extend spring 132, thusproviding a resistive force to support the user. One advantage of a footmember assembly with suspension links 126 and 128 and spring 132 is thatfoot member 122 may feel progressively stiffer to a user as the usermoves the foot member downward. Foot member 122 may essentially besupported by a non-linear resistive force provided by suspension links126 and 128 and spring 132 in which the resistive force becomes greater(i.e., foot member 122 may feel stiffer to a user) as the foot membernears a horizontal position. Such a foot member assembly may providesimilar footpad positions at the end or beginning of a stride for userswith varying body weights and/or applied forces. Thus, such a designedexercise apparatus may be used by a wide variety of users.

In some embodiments, a foot member assembly may include a shockabsorber. A shock absorber may be coupled to the same coupling points asspring 132. For example, a shock absorber may be coupled at point 130and to movable member 104. A shock absorber may be coupled adjacent tospring 132 or may be located inside the spring.

As shown in FIG. 1, movable member 104 may be bent. In some embodiments,however, movable member 104 may be straight, curved, and/or include abend. In certain embodiments, movable member 104 is made of a solid orunitary construction. In some embodiments, movable member 104 mayinclude multiple components coupled or fastened to achieve a desiredperformance. Similarly, foot members 122 and arm links 108 may bestraight, bent, or curved. Foot members 122 and arm links 108 may beunitary or may include multiple components.

In an embodiment, a user ascends the exercise apparatus, stands onfootpads 124 and initiates a walking or striding motion. The right andleft foot member assemblies support the weight of the user. The weightof the user on footpads 124 combined with motion of the footpads andfoot members 122 causes motion of movable members 104 and arm links 108.This motion in turn causes the rotation of crank members 114, pulleydevice 116, and/or brake/inertia device 118. Foot members 122 move withthe user's feet, and the foot member assemblies may accommodate the pathand pattern of the user's feet. An example of a path for a user's footis shown by path 134 in FIG. 1. Path 134 represents motion of a user'stoe during use of the exercise apparatus. The shape and/or height ofpath 134 may be determined by how much a user's heel rises during motionof the user's foot. In some embodiments, a shape of path 134 mayresemble a teardrop. A user may apply more force to foot member 122 toreduce the height of the teardrop in path 134 or may apply less force tothe foot member to increase the height of the path or teardrop. The pathof the user's foot may accurately simulate a walking, striding, and/orjogging motion.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a linkage assembly and drive system foran exercise apparatus. A linkage assembly may include one or more othercomponents such as links, connectors, and/or additional members thatcouple to and/or provide coupling between a drive system and one or morearm links 108. In some embodiments, a linkage assembly may include onelink (e.g., crank link 112 shown in FIG. 1).

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, linkage assembly 136 may includecrank links 112 and lever arms 138. Linkage assembly 136 may be directlyattached to arm links 108 and to crank members 114. Lever arms 138 maybe pivotally coupled to crank links 112. In certain embodiments, leverarms 138 may be rigidly attached to arm links 108. Rigidly attaching armlinks 108 and lever arms 138 may cause the arm links and the lever armsto rotate in unison during use. In some embodiments, lever arms 138 maybe coupled to arm links 108 using a tube or other member to offset thelever arms from the arm links. In certain embodiments, a drive system(e.g., the drive system depicted in FIG. 2) may be enclosed within acover or a shroud to protect one or more components of the drive system.Longer crank links 112, as shown in FIG. 2, may reduce variations in theangular velocity that occur during use of an exercise apparatus.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an embodiment of a foot member and movable memberconfiguration. Foot member 122 may have a curved shape as shown in FIG.3. The curved portion of foot member 122 may engage suspension belt 140.Each end of suspension belt 140 may be coupled to movable member 104. Inan embodiment, as foot member 122 moves downward, suspension belt 140may be stretched. The profile of the curved portion of foot member 122may cause a greater rate of stretch in suspension belt 140 as the footmember moves downward. FIG. 4 depicts suspension belt 140 stretched byfoot member 122 in a downward position. Thus, suspension belt 140 mayprovide a nonlinear resistive force to foot member 122 and a user mayfeel a stiffer resistance as the foot member moves downward. Frictionbetween suspension belt 140 and foot member 122 may provide dampingforce and/or shock absorption for movement of a user's foot. In someembodiments, suspension belt 140 may be coupled to a spring or to arocker arm that is coupled to a spring.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict embodiments of a footpad and a movable memberconfiguration, in which footpad 124 is coupled to movable member 104without an intervening foot member. In FIG. 5, footpad 124 is coupled tomovable member 104 such that the footpad may pivot. Allowing footpad 124to pivot (e.g., freely pivot) relative to movable member 104 allows auser's foot to freely articulate during rearward and forward motion ofthe foot.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of footpad 124 directly mounted on movablemember 104. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, a user's foot may movein a reciprocating motion such that the user's heel steadily risesrelative to the user's toe, or the user's toe steadily falls relative tothe user's heel as the user's foot moves rearward. Such reciprocatingmotion may more accurately simulate a walking pattern in which a user'sheel strikes the ground at the front of a stride, the ball of the user'sfoot lowers to the ground, and the user's heel lifts at the end of thestride, as depicted in FIG. 7.

In an embodiment in which footpad 124 is directly mounted on movablemember 104, as shown in FIG. 6, a radius of curvature of the footpad(line 142) may be lengthened and be moved rearward relative to theradius of curvature of arm link 108 (line 144). These radii may giverise to a desired foot motion during use of the apparatus. In certainembodiments, the larger radius of curvature of a footpad (line 142) mayprovide a more accurate simulation of walking. Also, arm links 108 maybe positioned in front of the user, which allows for a narrower widthfor the apparatus. In certain embodiments, similar advantages may beavailable due to the relative radii of curvature of a footpad and an armlink. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, similaradvantages are available since the footpad is fully extended downwardduring the weight-bearing portion of a stride.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 8, the foot member assemblies and arm links 108operate similarly to those in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. Asshown in FIG. 8, belt 146 may be attached to axle 148 of wheel 106. Belt146 may wrap around pulley 150. Pulley 150 may be a unidirectionalpulley. Pulley 150 may be coupled to (e.g., mounted on) drive shaft 152.An overrunning clutch may be used to couple pulley 150 to drive shaft152. Belt 146 may wrap over the top of pulley 150 and wrap around idler154. Near the back of the apparatus, belt 146 may wrap around idler 156.

Belt 146 may form a continuous loop, as shown in FIG. 9. In certainembodiments, pulleys 150 may be mounted on overrunning clutches.Mounting pulleys 150 on overrunning clutches allows unidirectionalrotation of shaft 152 and brake/inertia device 118 due to thealternating linear motion of belt 146. In some embodiments, drive shaft152 may be vertically oriented, as shown in FIG. 10. In certainembodiments, vertically oriented drive shaft 152 may allow moreefficient packaging of mechanical components.

As indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 8, the vertical stalk of frame100 may be designed to fold down for storage and/or shipment. Rotatingjoint 158 may be locked within locking knob 160 in a vertically orientedposition. Locking knob 160 may be disengaged to allow the vertical stalkof frame 100 to be rotated downward toward a position indicated by thedashed lines. Such a design of the vertical stalk of frame 100 may alsobe included in other embodiments of exercise apparatus (e.g., theembodiment depicted in FIG. 1).

FIGS. 11-18 depict schematic representations of various embodiments ofexercise apparatus that may allow motion of a user's feet similar tomotion allowed by the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 8 (e.g.,reciprocating motion). Several embodiments are depicted herein asschematics to simplify discussion of pertinent features. Such depictionsmay not include one or more features that may be present in a fullyfunctioning exercise apparatus. For example, only the right side footmember, footpad, movable member, arm link, and/or other selectedcomponents of the apparatus may be shown. In some embodiments, nopulley, belt, and/or brake/inertia system may be shown. In someembodiments, no right and left side cross coupling system may be shown.In some embodiments, one or more members in an apparatus may bestraight, may be curved, may be unitary, or may be composed of multiplepieces.

FIG. 11 depicts a representation of the basic embodiment of the exerciseapparatus depicted in FIGS. 1 and 8. FIG. 12 depicts a representation ofembodiments in which movable member 104 is non-straight and/or wheel 106may be located at any position along the movable member. FIG. 13 depictsa representation of embodiments in which rail 102 may be non-straight.

FIG. 14 depicts a representation of embodiments in which movable member104 may include more than one piece. The pieces of movable member 104may be pivotally coupled. In some embodiments, more than one wheel 106may be located on movable member 104.

FIG. 15 depicts a representation of embodiments in which reciprocatingmotion may be accomplished without the use of a wheel and a rail. Incertain embodiments, arm link 108 may include more than one piece (e.g.,multiple links) that may perform the function of the arm link, as shownin FIGS. 15, 17, and 18. A drive system may be coupled to one or more ofthe multiple links used to function as an arm link.

FIG. 16 depicts a representation of embodiments in which arm link 108may be actuated by a system other than a pivotal coupling at point 110.As depicted in FIG. 16, arm link 108 may be allowed to slide withinpivoting collar 162.

FIG. 17 depicts a representation of embodiments in which footpad 124 isrigidly mounted to movable member 104. In certain embodiments,progressive stiffness suspension system 164 may be included in theexercise apparatus. FIG. 18 depicts a representation of embodiments inwhich desired suspension system operations may be achieved with slidingelements 166.

In certain embodiments, a linkage assembly may include one or moreadjustable components. Including adjustable components in a linkageassembly may allow for adjustment or variation of a user's stridelength. Allowing adjustment or variation of a user's stride length in anexercise apparatus may provide an exercise apparatus that canaccommodate a wider range of body weights and/or physicalcharacteristics (e.g., a user's height or stride length). Allowingvariable stride length may allow the path of the user's foot moreaccurately simulate a walking, striding, and/or jogging motion.

FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with anadjustable linkage assembly. In an embodiment, linkage assembly 136 mayinclude lever arms 138, crank links 112, slider assembly 168, servomotor170, and lead screw 172. Lever arms 138 may be pivotally coupled tocrank links 112. In certain embodiments, lever arms 138 may be pivotallycoupled to crank links 112 through slider assembly 168. Crank links 112may be pivotally coupled to crank members 114. Crank members 114 maydrive pulley device 116, which in turn may drive brake/inertia device118 using belt 120.

During use of the apparatus, slider assembly 168 may move with lever arm138 at a fixed position along the lever arm. In some embodiments, sliderassembly 168 may be movable back and forth along lever arm 138. Themoving or repositioning of slider assembly 168 allows the sliderassembly to be selectively positioned along the length of lever arm 138such that the stride length for a user may be varied. For example, ifslider assembly 168 is moved away from point 110 along lever arm 138,the angle of rotation of arm link 108 induced by the rotation of crankmember 114 is reduced. This reduction of the angle of rotation of armlink 108 results in a reduced stride length for the user.

Sliding motion of slider assembly 168 may be controllable, for example,by use of servomotor 170 and lead screw 172. In certain embodiments,servomotor 170 may be electrically coupled to controller 174. Controller174 may include controls to adjust the location of slider assembly 168using servomotor 170. Controller 174 may include a display for the userof the apparatus. A user may adjust the stride length of the apparatusby using controller 174 to activate servomotor 170. Activation ofservomotor 170 rotates lead screw 172, which repositions slider assembly168 and adjusts the stride length.

In some embodiments, a position of slider assembly 168 along lever arm138 may be manually repositioned. For example, a user may move sliderassembly 168 and lock the slider assembly in place using a retractablepin or a threaded knob to adjust the stride length of the apparatus.

FIGS. 20-23 depict schematic representations of various embodiments ofexercise apparatus that may allow adjustable stride length similarly tothe embodiment depicted in FIG. 19. For simplicity, only lever arm 138of linkage assembly 136 is shown in FIGS. 20-23.

In certain embodiments, a user may be allowed to “instantaneously” or“dynamically” adjust his/hers stride length. The user may essentially beallowed to instantaneously or dynamically change his/her stride lengthby imparting variable forces to foot members 122 or footpads 124. Theuser may selectively impart forces (e.g., at a beginning or an end of astride) that vary the stride length and allow more accurate simulationof a walking, striding, and/or jogging motion.

FIG. 24 depicts an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with aninstantaneously variable length linkage assembly. In an embodiment,linkage assembly 136 may include lever arms 138, crank links 112,pivoting ends 176, and spring 178. Lever arms 138 may be pivotallycoupled to crank links 112. In certain embodiments, lever arms 138 mayinclude pivoting ends 176. Pivoting ends 176 may be pivotally coupled tocrank links 112. Pivoting end 176 may be an extension of lever arm 138.Pivoting end 176 may operate to control an effective length of lever arm138. Effective length 179 of lever arm 138 may be a length of the leverarm from point 110 to a point at the intersection of the longitudinalaxis of the lever arm and the longitudinal axis of crank link 112.

Crank links 112 may be pivotally coupled to crank members 114. Crankmembers 114 may drive pulley device 116, which in turn may drivebrake/inertia device 118 using belt 120.

FIG. 25 depicts an embodiment for operation of pivoting end 176.Pivoting end 176 may be coupled to lever arm 138 at point 180. Spring178 may be coupled to lever arm 138 and pivoting end 176 such that thespring creates a resistive force opposing rotation of the pivoting endabout point 180.

In certain embodiments, a user's stride length may be instantaneouslyvaried by the user applying force to the apparatus through arm links 108and/or foot members 122. As the user applies force to the apparatusthrough arm links 108 and/or foot members 122, pivoting end 176 maydeflect (e.g., instantaneously or dynamically deflect) relative to leverarm 138. As pivoting end 176 moves (e.g., rotates), the pivoting end maychange effective length 179 of lever arm 138, as shown in FIG. 25. Thusa length of linkage assembly 136 may be varied as the user applies forceto the apparatus. Deflection of pivoting end 176 may allow a position offoot member 122 to vary from a position the foot member would have iflever arm 138 was a rigid member without a pivoting end. Thus, a user'sstride length may be varied even though a diameter of crank members 114is predetermined and fixed. In certain embodiments, spring 178 mayprovide a resistive force that varies as pivoting end 176 is deflected.

In some embodiments, instantaneous deflection of pivoting ends 176 mayoccur when inertial forces act on the apparatus. For example, as movablemember 104 is decelerated at the end of either its forward or rearwardmotion, the inertial (e.g., deceleration) force may be transmittedthrough pivoting end 176. With the transmitted deceleration force,pivoting end 176 may deflect and result in a lengthened stride for theuser due to a change in the length of linkage assembly 136. Inertialforces increase as the operating speed of the apparatus increases. Thus,a user's stride length may increase with operating speed of theapparatus.

In some embodiments, right and left side linkage systems (e.g., footmembers 122, arm links 108, and/or movable members 104) may be crosscoupled so that they move in direct and constant opposition to oneanother. This movement may be accomplished with a continuous belt orcable loop, as shown in FIG. 24. Belt 182 may be a continuous loopsupported and constrained by idler pulleys 184. Idler pulleys 184 may belocated at either end of frame 100. Belt 182 may be coupled to movablemembers 104 at points 186. In certain embodiments, belt 182 isconfigured in a continuous loop coupled to the right side foot memberand the left side foot member, thus causing the right and left footmembers to move in direct and constant opposition to one another. Thegeometry of a linkage system (which may include foot members 122, wheels106, movable members 104, crank members 114, and/or arm links 108) maybe such that the belt system (including belt 182 and idler pulleys 184)must accommodate either a change in pitch length or a change in distancebetween idler pulley centers. If the change in pitch length is slight,the change may be accommodated by belt stretch. In some embodiments, oneof the idler pulleys may be mounted using a spring tensioning system sothat the distance between idler pulley centers may increase or decreaseslightly during linkage system operation while maintaining tension inthe belt system.

FIGS. 26 and 27 depict embodiments of exercise apparatus withinstantaneously variable length linkage assemblies. In certainembodiments, linkage assembly 136 may include crank links 112 and/orlever arms 138. In the embodiment of FIG. 26, crank link 112 may bepivotally coupled directly to arm link 108 at point 188. In theembodiment of FIG. 27, lever arm 138 may be rigid and pivotally coupledto crank link 112. In certain embodiments (e.g., the embodimentsdepicted in FIGS. 26 and 27), crank link 112 may be a telescoping memberthat is variable in length. A change in length of crank link 112 changesa length of linkage assembly 136. Telescoping movement of crank link 112may be resisted by element 190. Element 190 may be a spring element, adamper element, or a combination spring/damper element. Element 190 mayprovide a resistive force that varies as the length of crank link 112changes. The telescoping movement of crank link 112 may allow variablestride length due to user applied forces and/or inertial forces asdescribed above.

FIGS. 28-31 depict schematic representations of various embodiments ofexercise apparatus that may provide instantaneously variable stridelength as in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 24, 26, and 27. Forsimplicity, only lever arm 138 of linkage assembly 136 is shown in FIGS.28-31.

In this patent, certain U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, andother materials (e.g., articles) have been incorporated by reference.The text of such U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and othermaterials is, however, only incorporated by reference to the extent thatno conflict exists between such text and the other statements anddrawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, then any suchconflicting text in such incorporated by reference U.S. patents, U.S.patent applications, and other materials is specifically notincorporated by reference in this patent.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to beunderstood that the forms of the invention shown and described hereinare to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements andmaterials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein,parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of theinvention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to oneskilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of theinvention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in thefollowing claims.

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame, wherein the frame isconfigured such that at least a portion of the apparatus remainssubstantially stationary during use; a left movable member configured tomove relative to at least a portion of the frame; a right movable memberconfigured to move relative to at least a portion of the frame; a leftfoot member coupled to the left movable member; a right foot membercoupled to the right movable member; a left arm link coupled to the leftmovable member; a right arm link coupled to the right movable member; adrive system coupled to the frame; and a linkage assembly directlyattached to the drive system and to the left and right arm links.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the linkage assembly comprises one or moremembers directly attaching the left and right arm links to the drivesystem.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the left and right footmembers are coupled to foot suspension systems.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the drive system comprises at least one pulley, atleast one belt, and at least one crank.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the left and right movable members are configured to moverelative to a fixed point on the frame.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the left and right movable members are configured to move alongrails on at least a portion of the frame.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the left and right movable members comprise rear ends, andwherein the rear ends of each of the left and right movable members areconfigured to move in a reciprocating motion.
 8. An exercise apparatus,comprising: a frame, wherein the frame is configured such that at leasta portion of the apparatus remains substantially stationary during use;a left movable member configured to move relative to at least a portionof the frame; a right movable member configured to move relative to atleast a portion of the frame; a left foot member coupled to the leftmovable member; a right foot member coupled to the right movable member;a left arm link coupled to the left movable member; a right arm linkcoupled to the right movable member; and a belt system comprising a beltand at least one brake/inertia device, wherein the belt system iscoupled to the left and right movable members.
 9. The apparatus of claim8, wherein the left and right foot members are coupled to footsuspension systems.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the beltsystem is configured to provide inertial forces to a user during use ofthe apparatus.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the belt system isconfigured to store at least some energy provided by a user during useand to provide at least a portion of the stored energy back to the userduring use of the apparatus.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein thebelt system is directly attached to the left and right movable members.13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the belt system is directlyattached to axles on the left and right movable members.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the belt system comprises one or morepulleys and at least one belt.
 15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein thebelt system comprises one or more pulleys and at least one belt, andwherein the pulleys are coupled to clutches.
 16. The apparatus of claim8, wherein the left and right movable members are configured to movealong rails on at least a portion of the frame.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the left and right movable members comprise rear ends,and wherein the rear ends of each of the left and right movable membersare configured to move in a reciprocating motion.
 18. An exerciseapparatus, comprising: a frame, wherein the frame is configured suchthat at least a portion of the apparatus remains substantiallystationary during use; a left movable member configured to move relativeto at least a portion of the frame; a right movable member configured tomove relative to at least a portion of the frame; a left foot membercoupled to the left movable member; a right foot member coupled to theright movable member; a left arm link coupled to the left movablemember; a right arm link coupled to the right movable member; a drivesystem coupled to the frame; and a linkage assembly coupled to the drivesystem and to the left and right arm links, wherein the linkage assemblycomprises a user adjustable slider assembly configured to allow the userto adjust the user's stride length during use of the apparatus.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the linkage assembly is directly attachedto the drive system and to the left and right arm links.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the linkage assembly comprises one ormore members directly attaching the left and right arm links to thedrive system.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the user adjustableslider assembly is configured to allow the user to adjust the user'sstride length by varying a position of the slider assembly in thelinkage assembly.
 22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the useradjustable slider assembly comprises a device for varying a position ofthe slider assembly.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the devicecomprises a servomotor.
 24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the leftand right foot members are coupled to foot suspension systems.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the drive system comprises at least onepulley, at least one belt, and at least one crank.
 26. The apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein the left and right movable members are configured tomove relative to a fixed point on the frame.
 27. The apparatus of claim18, wherein the left and right movable members are configured to movealong rails on at least a portion of the frame.
 28. The apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein the left and right movable members comprise rear ends,and wherein the rear ends of each of the left and right movable membersare configured to move in a reciprocating motion.
 29. An exerciseapparatus, comprising: a frame, wherein the frame is configured suchthat at least a portion of the apparatus remains substantiallystationary during use; a left movable member configured to move relativeto at least a portion of the frame; a right movable member configured tomove relative to at least a portion of the frame; a left foot membercoupled to the left movable member; a right foot member coupled to theright movable member; a left arm link coupled to the left movablemember; a right arm link coupled to the right movable member; a drivesystem coupled to the frame; and a linkage assembly coupled to the drivesystem and to the left and right arm links, wherein a length in thelinkage assembly can be adjusted by a user of the apparatus to vary theangle of rotation of the left and/or right arm links.
 30. The apparatusof claim 29, wherein the linkage assembly is directly attached to thedrive system and to the left and right arm links.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 29, wherein the linkage assembly comprises one or more membersdirectly attaching the left and right arm links to the drive system. 32.The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the linkage assembly is configured toallow the user to adjust the user's stride length by changing the lengthin the linkage assembly using a user adjustable slider assembly andvarying the angle of rotation of the left and right arm links.
 33. Theapparatus of claim 29, wherein the linkage assembly comprises a devicefor adjusting the length in the linkage assembly.
 34. The apparatus ofclaim 33, wherein the device comprises a servomotor.
 35. The apparatusof claim 29, wherein the left and right foot members are coupled to footsuspension systems.
 36. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the drivesystem comprises at least one pulley, at least one belt, and at leastone crank.
 37. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the left and rightmovable members are configured to move relative to a fixed point on theframe.
 38. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the left and right movablemembers are configured to move along rails on at least a portion of theframe.
 39. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the left and right movablemembers comprise rear ends, and wherein the rear ends of each of theleft and right movable members are configured to move in a reciprocatingmotion.
 40. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame, wherein theframe is configured such that at least a portion of the apparatusremains substantially stationary during use; a left movable memberconfigured to move relative to at least a portion of the frame; a rightmovable member configured to move relative to at least a portion of theframe; a left foot member coupled to the left movable member; a rightfoot member coupled to the right movable member; a left arm link coupledto the left movable member; a right arm link coupled to the rightmovable member; a drive system coupled to the frame; and a linkageassembly comprising left and right linkage assemblies, wherein the leftlinkage assembly is directly attached to the drive system at a firstleft end of the linkage assembly and directly attached to the left armlink at a second left end of the linkage assembly, wherein the rightlinkage assembly is directly attached to the drive system at a firstright end of the linkage assembly and directly attached to the right armlink at a second right end of the linkage assembly, and wherein thelinkage assembly comprises at least one device configured to allowvariation in a length of the linkage assembly between at least one firstend of the linkage assembly and at least one second end of the linkageassembly during use of the apparatus.
 41. The apparatus of claim 40,wherein at least one of the devices allows instantaneous variation inthe length of the linkage assembly to allow a user to instantaneouslyvary the user's stride length during use of the apparatus.
 42. Theapparatus of claim 40, wherein variation in the length of the linkageassembly allows a user to vary the user's stride length during use ofthe apparatus.
 43. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein at least one ofthe devices configured to allow variation in the length of the linkageassembly comprises a lever arm coupling between two members of thelinkage assembly and a spring coupled between one of the members and thelever arm.
 44. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein at least one of thedevices configured to allow variation in the length of the linkageassembly comprises at least one variable length linkage assembly memberand a resistive element coupled to the variable length member.
 45. Theapparatus of claim 40, wherein the left and right foot members arecoupled to foot suspension systems.
 46. The apparatus of claim 40,wherein the drive system comprises at least one pulley, at least onebelt, and at least one crank.
 47. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein theleft and right movable members are configured to move relative to afixed point on the frame.
 48. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein theleft and right movable members are configured to move along rails on atleast a portion of the frame.
 49. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein theleft and right movable members comprise rear ends, and wherein the rearends of each of the left and right movable members are configured tomove in a reciprocating motion.
 50. The apparatus of claim 40, whereinthe left movable member and the right movable member are cross coupledso that the left movable member moves in opposition to the right movablemember.
 51. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame, wherein theframe is configured such that at least a portion of the apparatusremains substantially stationary during use; a left movable memberconfigured to move relative to at least a portion of the frame; a rightmovable member configured to move relative to at least a portion of theframe; a left foot member coupled to the left movable member; a rightfoot member coupled to the right movable member; a left arm link coupledto the left movable member; a right arm link coupled to the rightmovable member; a drive system coupled to the frame; and a linkageassembly coupled to the drive system and the left and right arm links,wherein the linkage assembly is configured to provide a varyingresistive force to allow a user of the apparatus to vary the user'sstride length during use of the apparatus.
 52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the linkage assembly is configured to allow the user toinstantaneously vary the user's stride length during use of theapparatus.
 53. The apparatus of claim 5 1, wherein the varying resistiveforce in the linkage assembly is provided by a lever arm coupled betweenat least two members of the linkage assembly and a spring coupledbetween one of the members and the lever arm.
 54. The apparatus of claim5 1, wherein the linkage assembly comprises one or more members, andwherein the varying resistive force in the linkage assembly is providedby at least one of the linkage assembly members configured to vary itslength and a resistive element coupled to the varied length member. 55.The apparatus of claim 5 1, wherein the left and right foot members arecoupled to foot suspension systems.
 56. The apparatus of claim 5 1,wherein the drive system comprises at least one pulley, at least onebelt, and at least one crank.
 57. The apparatus of claim 5 1, whereinthe left and right movable members are configured to move relative to afixed point on the frame.
 58. The apparatus of claim 5 1, wherein theleft and right movable members are configured to move along rails on atleast a portion of the frame.
 59. The apparatus of claim 5 1, whereinthe left and right movable members comprise rear ends, and wherein therear ends of each of the left and right movable members are configuredto move in a reciprocating motion.
 60. The apparatus of claim 51,wherein the left movable member and the right movable member are crosscoupled so that the left movable member moves in opposition to the rightmovable member.